Same colour, different dress

I love this option as it keeps your colour palette flowing through the day, without forcing your girls into wearing the same style. They can choose a style that suits them, and that they feel comfortable in. Loads of places now provide this option, and there are some dresses that you can even customise the style/neckline/cut on the day, so they can choose on the morning of the wedding!

Same dress, different colour

Let’s reverse it! If your girls are all a similar build, height and style, you might feel like throwing a rainbow at your wedding party! With this one, it’s good to make sure your girls are all comfortable wearing the same style. Go for something flattering for all body shapes – traditional empire line or A line styles are great, with flowing fabric. And then vary the colours in line with your colour palette.

Fading and shading

I adore the idea of using different shades of the same colour for dressing your gang. This is a great idea if you’ve got loads of bridesmaids and want to do something unique with their outfits. You’ve got two options here; same dress in different shades, or make each dress a different style. Either way, your pictures will look fab! I love the idea of fading black down through grey to your white dress…

Same dress

Got your heart set on a perfectly special dress? Awesome! There’s something special about a row of identical bridesmaids just beaming with pride in their uniforms for the day. There’s nothing wrong with dressing them all the same, they’ll feel honoured for being asked to wear this stunning dress. What I would recommend, however, is getting their opinion on the dress you’re thinking about. The honour of being a bridesmaid is huge, but you still want them to feel comfortable for your special day.

Throw out the rule book

Your girls will feel most comfortable and confident if they’re wearing something that fits them well and that they love. So why not go shopping with each of them individually, or in a group, to pick out a dress that each of them loves. Some of my favourite wedding parties have seen each of the girls wearing something different, but super special. This means they can go for a favourite colour, they know the style that suits them and they can pick a dress that is comfortable.

Why not include your girls in making the decision? Have fun playing with ideas, fabrics, colours and styles. Enjoy the process and don’t rush it – this is your time with your best friends – treasure it.

Looking for more bridesmaid inspiration? Head over to our bridesmaid pages!

Have a ‘bridesmaid proposal’ with a customised box, go for named silk dressing gowns on the morning of the big day, and say thank you with a super special gift – something so she’ll be reminded of the day often. Same goes for groomsmen – ask them with a personalised box, and thank them with a thoughtful gift. And how about for you? Well I love a kitsch jacket – perfect for photos, and practical if you’re having an autumn or winter wedding! Here’s a selection of my favourite personalised wedding items.

Suppliers

Team Bride t shirt – The Lakeside Shed / Stretch bracelets – Lily Belle / Make up bag – The Personal Wedding Co on Etsy / Birthstone necklaces – Earrings Nation on Etsy / Best man bag – Ace Creates UK on Etsy / Personalised Converse – Wedding Converse / ‘The Bride’ dressing gown – Holly Rose Prints on Etsy / Best Man pint box – The Party Postman / Bridesmaid cookies – Sarah’s Cookie Jar

After launching Junior Gaultier, a line of ready-to-wear clothing for kids, in 2009, the Jean Paul Gaultier design house is taking its children’s clothing to a new level of luxury with Junior Gaultier Couture.

The first piece from the first Junior Gaultier Couture collection, designed for budding fashionistas, draws inspiration from the Indian-inspired dresses presented in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring-Summer 2013 haute couture womenswear collection.

Fit for a princess, the dress is made from a raw silk bodice and a long layered skirt in tulle. These would make a wonderful flower girl dress or a bridesmaid dress.

The finishing touch is a bolero that buttons in the back and is accented with Swarovski crystals.  Presented at the end of the latest Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show, the dress comes in two shades: ivory and padparadscha.

The Junior Gaultier Couture dress will go on sale before the end of the year in a limited edition. Only 90 dresses of each color will be made, in sizes ranging from 4 to 14 years. The dress is priced around $1200.

Less than one year after welcoming its very first customer, luxury children’s hairdresser Bigoodi has become a must-go-to destination for children and their parents. ”We were really longing for a children’s hair salon in the area” said mum of 2 Daniella. ”My kids feel at home at Bigoodi and they even have their favorite chair and always want to watch the same movie while having their haircut.’

Bigoodi’s co-owner Sarah Gavin explains how despite tough times starting a new business has been hugely rewarding: “It’s been an incredible 9 months and despite the tough economic climate, we’ve taken Bigoodi from strength-to-strength and welcomed a wonderfully loyal customer base.” She continues: ”Bigoodi is a place for family and fun. We continue to set a new standard for children’s hairdressing in the UK and in 2013 bring our customers something new with the launch of Bigoodi retail online and a range of exciting new party formats.”

The dedicated team at the store includes professional hairdressers, qualified stylists and experienced entertainers. Passionate and driven by many years of experience with children, they promise to make any party unforgettable. Haircuts, hairstyles, nail painting, dancing, games, song contests, dressing up competitions and many other surprises will send the children in to a fantasy world full of fun and adventures with the added luxury of pampering and styling! Every little girls dream!

• Bigoodi is located on 52 New Kings Road, London SW6 4LS – 020 7736 47 68

Ashleigh & Burwood of London’s new products being launched within their Fragrance Lamp collection for Spring/Summer 2013 are a delight to behold and make stunning interior design accessories. Available in both small and large sizes in the popular glass mosaic style, new lamp designs, include ‘Leopardess’, ‘Awen’, ‘Rubellite’, ‘Asrai’, ‘Cougar’, ‘Seductress’ and ‘Blue Bird’.

Seductress Lamp: As if burning coals were within, the red and gold clusters formed in the mosaic pattern if this tempting lamp, breaks the intense mood set by the arrangement of the black and silver mosaic pieces adorning it. Classically shaped, it is the femme fatale of Fragrance Lamps.

Blue Bird Lamp: With colours of steely blue and dusky orange just like the bird which inspired it’s name, this lamp is a true delight. Sparkling coloured glass mosaic pieces come together on this ball shaped lamp to create another lamp design which is sure to be a fly away success.

Each of the seven new lamp designs have been crafted with care and meticulously designed to the very highest standards.

New Lamp fragrances for the season include the fresh floral scents of Lily of the Valley and Wild Iris, as well as Oud Night Tea which provides contrast with its rich spicy accord.

OUD NIGHT TEA – Rich and woody, the seductive scent of oud is infused with explosions of zesty lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. Subtle notes of patchouli, vanilla and musk give underlying elements of warmth to this exquisite fragrance.

LILY OF THE VALLEY – Capturing the essence of pure white lily bells, floral notes of jasmine and ylang ylang compliment perfectly. At its heart a watery character is created by notes of hyacinth, lily of the valley and jasmine petals, is underpinned by an unexpected splash of dark musk and tangy sweetness.

WILD IRIS – A striking floral bouquet of wild iris and freesia entwined with tones of uplifting bergamot. This palette of floral excellence is tempered by notes of crisp lily and sweet violet petals.

To see more wonderful products visit AshleighandBurwood.com